Consultant Salary 2024 in the United States

1. Overview of Consultant Salaries in the US

Consultant salaries in the United States can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, location, and field of expertise. From entry-level to senior positions, salaries in consulting cover a wide range. Top consulting firms like Deloitte, Accenture, and McKinsey offer competitive compensation packages that include base pay, performance bonuses, and even relocation assistance. Understanding the various factors that influence consultant salaries is crucial for planning a successful career path in this industry. For undergraduates considering a career in consulting, it's essential to look at salary figures and consider the potential growth and earning potential.

2. What Does the Salary of a Management Consultant Consist of?

Before we go into detail about how much money consultants make, let’s take a look at how the salary of a management consultant is structured.

A management consultant compensation package includes:

• Base salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Signing bonus (one-time)
• Relocation payment (one-time) – depending on the company policy and circumstances

2.1 Base Salary

The base salary is the most important component of your entire consultant salary. This will determine the salary of your first year(s) at the firm. So, even if you get offered a higher signing bonus at another firm, we recommend you have a look at the base salary first, as this will be your continuous flow of income.

2.2 Annual Performance Bonuses

In addition to a base salary, management consultants get offered a substantial performance bonus. This bonus can be based on one or multiple of the following factors, which you can or cannot control directly:

• Your own personal performance
• The profitability of the firm
• The number of projects sold
• Peer feedback

Some of these factors you can directly control (e.g. your own performance), but some of the factors are not directly in your control. The profitability of the firm or the number of projects sold can depend on external factors such as industry demand or economic/health crisis (as we have seen during the COVID pandemic).

Because of this, it is important that you ask about the performance bonus and what could potentially affect it. To get some statistics, we recommend asking how many people actually receive that top tier of the performance bonus structure and what the rest of the staff receives. Typically, average performers receive bonuses closer to half of the maximum amount. A 65% performance bonus sounds great but what are your chances of actually getting the bonus?

It is also interesting to know when you will be eligible for performance bonuses – if it is at the end of the calendar year or fiscal year. Depending on when you start your job and if you will just miss this payout, this could make a substantial difference in your salary. And it could be a great opportunity to negotiate a signing bonus.

2.3 Signing Bonus (One-time)

A lot of consulting firms offer an attractive signing bonus for new and high-potential hires. While it is not common to negotiate a base salary in management consulting, some firms are more flexible with the signing bonus. If you have another offer, you could potentially leverage this to negotiate a higher signing bonus. It can be the case that even consulting interns get paid signing bonuses.

Some consultancies have payback policies on their signing bonuses in order to motivate their consultants to stay with them long enough. Depending on when you leave the company, you might have to pay back a percentage of that bonus or even the full amount. Please note that it doesn’t make a good impression to ask directly about the payback policy because it makes it seem as if you don’t plan to stay long in the company. Simply read the terms and conditions of your offer letter.

2.4 Relocation Bonus

Some firms offer relocation bonuses even to interns. This bonus depends on your and your office’s location. The further you live away from the office, for example, if you live in a distant city, state, or country, the larger your relocation bonus will be. If you have to move cross-country and are not getting a relocation bonus, you can use this opportunity to negotiate a higher signing bonus.

Relocation bonuses and signing bonuses are usually paid out soon after you sign your contract. Sometimes they are paid out only after your start date or even in increments over several years. The payment method varies among companies.

2.5 Other Benefits

Besides the previously mentioned salary components, a lot of consulting firms offer additional benefits to their employees. This could be for example:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Technical equipment: company laptop, smartphone, video conferencing software, etc.
• Mobility benefits: Company car, local transport ticket, travel allowances
• Continuing education opportunities: Language course, training, certificates
• Additional benefits: Pension plan, childcare
• Well-being benefits: Canteen meals, meal allowance, fruit and drinks in the office, gym discounts
• Special benefits: Hotel chain discounts, discounts at selected retailers

These could be important factors to consider when deciding between different offers or jobs, as these benefits can have an additional effect on your health and happiness.

Furthermore, some firms sponsor undergraduate hires, who perform well on their job, their MBA at a business school, or another degree. Please note that in most cases consultants have to work for the firm for a specific amount of time after completing their studies – or pay back the cost of the degree.

3. Which Other Factors Influence the Salary of a Management Consultant?

The management consultant's salary is dependent and influenced by a couple of different factors like the size and prestige of the company you work for, your academic background, the experience you already gained throughout your professional career, and with that your career level as well as the location of your job and the industry. In the following sections, we will have a look at each one of them.

3.1 Company

The following figures are averages that we analyzed from different sources* that can be found online. Our goal is to give you a differentiated overview and sum up everything important for you.

Let’s have a look at the management consultant salary of full-time hires with undergraduate and master’s degrees in the North American market.

McKinsey, Bain, & BCG Consultant Salaries

When it comes to base salary, McKinsey and Bain are similarly situated. BCG pays a slightly higher base salary. However, McKinsey clearly leads the field in terms of performance bonuses of up to $30,000. Looking at the total salary entry-level consultants can earn, BCG is followed by McKinsey and then Bain. However, if paid time off is important to you, Bain is the company that offers most with 20 days.

Tier 2 & Big 4 Consultant Salaries

Looking at the salaries of tier 2 and the big four, we can see that EY-Parthenon, Oliver Wyman and PwC pay the highest salaries. If compensation is the most important factor for you, these are the ones to go for. Nevertheless, as mentioned before, it is also recommended to take a look at different dimensions such as travel, the firm culture, and even exit opportunities.

3.2 Academic Background

If you are an entry-level consultant, your academic background, i.e. your level of education and your university may have an impact on your salary. MBA students will receive a significantly higher salary than students with a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree.

In the United States, especially the university brand matters. Top consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, or Bain only recruit top talents. MBA students from Wharton or Harvard receive a higher offer than students from Tuck, MIT, or Columbia. The difference can be up to 10k USD per year. Here is a list of management consultant salaries of MBA full-time hires from different universities.

3.3 Working Experience

If you are an experienced hire and are applying to top brands like MBB, in most cases, your best chance to negotiate your offer is to negotiate the level at which you enter the firm or the possibility of a fast-track promotion.

Many experienced hires can skip the first career level and directly start as (Senior) Consultants or quickly get that promotion after starting at the entry-level. Please note that salaries at every entry level are pretty set and standard and in most cases not negotiable. 

3.4 Career Level

First, let’s have a look at the different career levels at MBB and their respective salary. They are pretty standard and fixed, even though you can get fast-track promotions depending on your performance. With each promotion, you receive a substantial increase in your base salary and/or your performance bonus.

Thus, the management consultant's salary highly depends on the career level. Typically, you can expect a salary increase of 10-20% at top consulting firms each year. Additionally, when promoted to the next career level, your salary increase can be a lot higher, even up to a 100% increase. For other consulting firms, promotion tracks may vary, so make sure to ask what the career levels and respective salary increases can look like.

Entry-Level Management Consultant Salary

Depending on the experience you have gained throughout internships, your grades and the prestige of the university you are coming from these are your base salary starts at $110,000. 

First-year out of Undergrad/Master’s program:

• Base: ~$110k
• Signing Bonus: ~$5k
• Performance Bonus: up to ~$30k

Senior Consultant Salary

Depending on the performance of projects that you are a part of, performance bonuses will continue to grow. Most performance bonuses range between 25%- 30% of your base salary.

First-year out of MBA/Ph.D. program:

• Base: ~$190k
• Signing Bonus: ~$35k
• Performance Bonus: up to ~$60k

Project Manager Salary

At this point, your base salary will range between $220,000-$240,000 in top consulting firms. Most project managers are industry veterans with years of experience and in-depth knowledge of problem-solving skills.

Manager/Project Leader (2-3 years out of MBA/Ph.D.) program:

• Base: $220-240k
• Bonus: $100-140k

Associate Principal/Senior Project Leader (4-5 years out of MBA/Ph.D.) program:

• Base: $275-350k
• Bonus: $150-250k

Partner/Shareholder Salary

Project managers may become shareholders or partners of a consulting firm. At this level, you will most likely own a portion of the firm’s stock. Therefore, the performance of your entire firm will directly determine how much you can make within a specific timeframe. You may also receive bonuses from the projects that you participate in as a shareholder/partner.

Junior Partner/Principal (6-8 years out of MBA/Ph.D.) program:

• Base: $375-450k
• Bonus: $375-575k

Senior Partner/Director (10+ years out of MBA/Ph.D.) program:

• Base: $500-700k
• Bonus: $500k+

3.5 Location

Some consulting firms offer different base salaries depending on the office, others have one salary level across all regions. Typically, McKinsey, BCG, and Bain offer the same salary at each office for each career level, so it only makes a difference regarding the level you are hired at. Other consulting firms, such as Big 4 firms, offer different salaries for different offices. They take into account the cost of living in different offices and adjust the salary accordingly. This means that higher pay is not necessarily better if the cost of living is equally elevated.

3.6 Industry

The consulting industry is segmented into several areas. The management consultant's salary can vary depending on which subset of management consulting the employee is placed in. Please note that the following values are rough averages to give you an idea of the salary differences for each industry. The brand (MBB vs. tier 2/3 firms) impacts the salary range you will find yourself at.

4. Detailed Breakdown of Consulting Salaries by Experience

Salaries for consultants in the United States differ at each stage, including entry-level, mid-level, and senior positions. Typically, entry-level consultants earn lower salaries compared to those with more experience. As they gain more experience and take on greater responsibilities, their salaries increase. Senior consultants who have accumulated several years of expertise and held leadership roles receive higher salaries. The growth of salaries in consulting is also influenced by career progression and performance evaluations. Salary figures for business school and undergraduate graduates can vary, with factors such as location and firm reputation impacting first-year salaries.

4.1 Entry-level Consultant Salaries

Entry-level consultants in the United States typically start with a competitive base salary. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as the consulting firm, location, and field of specialization. Top consulting companies like McKinsey & Company, PwC, and Bain offer attractive entry-level salary packages to attract top talent. In addition to base salaries, entry-level consultants may also receive performance bonuses and benefits. It's worth noting that starting salaries in consulting tend to be higher than average salaries in other industries. This makes consulting an appealing career path for undergraduates and business school graduates looking to maximize their salary figures in their first year.

4.2 Mid-level Consultant Salaries

Mid-level consultants, who have gained a few years of experience in the consulting industry, earn higher salaries compared to their entry-level counterparts. These salaries are determined based on the consultant's track record and performance evaluations, with bonuses and benefits often included. Advancing to a mid-level position is seen as a sign of growth and expertise within the field. Notable consulting firms like Deloitte, BCG, and EY offer competitive salaries at the mid-level. This enables consultants to maximize their career paths and leverage their business school and undergraduate experiences. Salary figures for mid-level consultants tend to be higher than those of first-year consultants.

4.3 Senior Consultant Salaries

Senior consultants with extensive experience and leadership roles earn higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and skills, which are highly valued by consulting firms like Accenture, KPMG, and McKinsey. Salaries for senior consultants can vary based on the consulting firm and location. Additionally, performance bonuses and benefits are common for senior consultants. It is worth noting that the salary figures for senior consultants in the United States can be lucrative, making it an attractive career path for individuals who have completed their undergrad or pursued further education in business school.

5. Comparisons Between Different Fields of Consulting

Salaries in the consulting field can vary depending on the specific area of expertise. Different fields such as management, IT, and strategy offer different salary ranges. Management consultants often earn competitive salaries due to their broad expertise in various industries. IT consultants, specializing in technology solutions, can command high salaries, especially in tech-driven industries. Strategy consultants, involved in corporate planning and decision-making, can also earn high salaries. The demand and market value for different consulting specializations play a significant role in determining salary ranges.

5.1 Management Consultant Salaries

Management consultants, providing strategic advice to businesses in the United States, earn competitive salaries that depend on various factors. These factors include the reputation of the consulting firm, location, and experience level. Top consulting firms such as Deloitte, Accenture, and McKinsey offer attractive management consultant salaries, along with performance bonuses and benefits. In order to maximize salary figures, management consultants can focus on their career path and consider obtaining additional certifications or pursuing business school opportunities. This can lead to career progression and increased earning potential in the field.

5.2 IT Consultant Salaries

IT consultants, specializing in technology solutions, have the potential to earn lucrative salaries in the United States. The salary ranges can vary based on factors such as experience, expertise in specific technologies, and the reputation of the consulting firm. IT consultants who specialize in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and data analytics can command even higher salaries. Consulting firms that place a strong emphasis on IT, such as Accenture and Deloitte, offer competitive salary packages to attract top talent. Additionally, advanced degrees and certifications can further boost IT consultant salaries, providing a promising career path in this field.

5.3 Strategy Consultant Salaries

Strategy consultants, involved in corporate planning and decision-making, have the potential to earn lucrative salaries in the United States. The salary figures for strategy consultants are influenced by several key factors, including the reputation of the consulting firm, location, and years of experience. Top consulting firms like Bain, McKinsey, and BCG offer competitive salaries to attract top talent in the field. In addition to base salaries, performance bonuses and benefits are common in this career path. Most strategy consultants hold advanced degrees and possess specialized knowledge, which contributes to their higher pay.

6. Salary Trends in the Consulting Industry

Consulting has become a highly sought-after profession in the United States, leading to a surge in demand for consultants and driving salaries up. Compared to other professions, consultants earn higher base salaries due to their specialized knowledge and expertise that they bring to businesses. Performance bonuses are also common in this industry, encouraging consultants to provide exceptional results. However, factors such as years of experience, career path, and specialization can affect a consultant's salary. Leading consulting firms such as Deloitte and Accenture offer attractive compensation packages as they compete for top talent in the industry. The rise in demand for consultants is attributed to organizations' need for expertise in areas like digital transformation, process optimization, and strategic planning. Furthermore, many companies are turning to consultants for guidance on navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. The dynamic nature of the consulting industry makes it an exciting and rewarding career path for those with a drive to succeed.

6.1 Impact of Economic Changes on Consultant Salaries

During economic downturns, the consulting industry can experience lower demand, leading to reduced salaries for consultants. However, consultants with expertise in risk management may see an increased demand during these challenging times. On the other hand, global economic growth can have a positive impact on consultant salaries, opening up more job opportunities and potentially higher pay. It's important to note that market volatility can also influence consulting fees and project budgets. Additionally, consultants skilled in cost reduction strategies may be in higher demand during periods of economic uncertainty.

6.2 Future Predictions for Consultant Salaries

As the consulting industry continues to expand, consultant salaries in the United States are expected to rise. The growing demand for consultants with expertise in digital transformation and technology is projected to drive up salaries in these fields. Specialized consultants, such as those in data analytics or cybersecurity, may see their salaries outpace those of general consultants. Additionally, the rise of automation and artificial intelligence may have an impact on salaries for certain consulting roles. Consultants with global experience and language skills may have an advantage in commanding higher salaries as well.

7. How do Consultant Salaries Compare to Other Professions?

Consulting is a lucrative field with high earning potential, especially for those who have an MBA degree. Consultants generally earn more than entry-level professionals in other fields. MBA graduates who join consulting firms can expect to start off with higher salaries. At top firms such as McKinsey and Bain, senior consultants can earn high six-figure salaries.

Compared to other professions such as audit and finance, consulting salaries tend to be on the higher side, with certain niche areas having even higher salary ranges. It is crucial to research the salary ranges for different types of consulting roles and specialties before making a decision if you're considering a career in consulting. Being well-informed about the various factors that influence consulting salaries such as location, experience level, industry specialization, and job responsibilities can help you make an informed choice. In addition to offering competitive pay packages, many consulting firms also provide lucrative benefits packages like bonuses, stock options, and retirement plans that can significantly enhance your overall compensation package.

7.1 Comparison with Other Business Services Jobs

Consulting salaries often exceed those in business services roles such as coaching or consulting. In fact, even entry-level consultants can earn more than their counterparts in other business services positions like business analysts or project managers. As professionals progress in their careers, senior consultants have higher earning potential compared to business services professionals. It's worth noting that consulting firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) offer competitive salaries, contributing to the overall appeal of the consulting industry. With more opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries, the consulting industry outshines many business services roles in terms of financial prospects.

7.2 Comparison with Other High Paying Jobs in the US

Consulting salaries in the United States can rival other high-paying professions like law and medicine. While salaries in consulting may be lower compared to those in investment banking or the tech industry, top-tier consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company and Bain offer attractive compensation packages. Additionally, consulting salaries in major cities like New York and San Francisco tend to be higher than the national average. Consultants with expertise in niche industries or specialized skills have the potential to command even higher salaries. It's important to note that salary figures can vary based on factors such as career path, business school, and undergraduate qualifications. First-year salaries in consulting can be quite promising, making it a lucrative career option for many.

8. Effect of Location on Consultant Salaries in the US

The salaries for consultants in the United States can differ significantly depending on their location. For instance, cities such as New York and San Francisco offer higher salaries due to their high cost of living. In contrast, smaller cities or regions may have lower salaries but a lower cost of living. Consultants working in high-cost areas may receive relocation benefits or allowances to compensate for the increased expenses.

Moreover, demand for consultants can vary depending on the region, which can impact salary figures. When considering a career as a consultant in the United States, it's critical to factor in how location affects earning potential. Understanding the regional differences in salary structures can help you make informed decisions about where to work and what compensation package to expect. Additionally, staying up to date on industry trends and job market insights can help you negotiate your salary effectively and maximize your earning potential as a consultant.

9. What are the Top Paying Companies for Consultants in the US?

Top consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group are known for offering generous salaries to their employees. Similarly, the Big Four accounting firms - Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG - also provide highly competitive compensation packages. Consulting divisions of multinational companies can also offer lucrative salaries to their employees. However, boutique consulting firms that specialize in niche industries may offer even higher pay along with unique growth opportunities that are not available in larger firms. When considering a career in consulting or accounting, it's important to research different firms and their compensation packages to find the best fit for your skills and goals.

10. How Much Do Consultants Earn After Their Exit?

Although your salary increases relatively rapidly within a top consulting firm, you typically receive a pay increase when leaving, as well as a bump in lifestyle. In the U.S., the average consultant who accepts an industry position receives a 12-20% increase in pay and a better work-life balance. Those entering the financial services industry receive a 30%+ increase in compensation—but work/life balance often takes a hit.

11. The Preparation for Your Career in Management Consulting

Like any other profession, the job as a consultant also has its disadvantages. But above all, the steep learning curve is one of the most important motivating factors for young graduates to enter consulting. The attractive exit options also play a significant role. If you're in your degree program and want to get into consulting, then you should definitely sign up for PrepLounge, the world's largest case interview community. Here you will find everything you need to prepare for your case interviews.

Are you ready to kick start your career in management consulting? Make sure to browse through further helpful content on PrepLounge: 

*Sources:

Glassdoor, Salary of Management Consultants in the United States of America. 

mconsultingprep, Management Consultant Salary. Accessed on: https://mconsultingprep.com/top-management-consulting-salary/

myconsultingoffer, Management Consultant Salary-Here's A Market Report for 2022. Accessed on: https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/management-consultant-salary/

12. Conclusion

To conclude, consultant salaries in the US vary based on several factors such as experience level, industry, and location. Entry-level consultants typically earn a lower salary, while mid-level and senior consultants command higher pay. Economic changes can also impact consultant salaries, so it is important to stay updated on industry trends. When comparing consultant salaries to other professions, consulting often offers competitive compensation, especially in the business services sector. Additionally, location plays a role in determining salaries, with certain cities offering higher pay due to cost of living and demand. Finally, some top-paying companies in the US for consultants include renowned firms in the consulting industry. Whether you are considering a career in consulting or evaluating your current salary, understanding the nuances of consultant salaries is crucial for making informed decisions.